Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat
- The Secret to That Signature Creamy, Cheesy Sauce
- How to Get That Perfect Golden Brown, Bubbly Topping
- Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Italian Feast
- Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Common Questions About This Copycat Recipe
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno copycat recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. A rich, creamy blend of marinara and alfredo sauce coats tender ziti, while a golden, bubbly cheese topping adds the perfect finish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy pasta dish straight from the oven. This recipe is loaded with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Inspired by the famous dish from Olive Garden, this copycat version gives you all the comfort of your favorite restaurant meal—right at home!
The Secret to That Signature Creamy, Cheesy Sauce
The key to achieving the rich, creamy texture of this dish lies in the combination of marinara and alfredo sauce. Using a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheeses creates a luxurious, velvety finish. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
How to Get That Perfect Golden Brown, Bubbly Topping
A delicious baked pasta dish isn’t complete without a crispy, golden-brown cheese crust. To achieve this, we mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling it over the cheese topping. The result? A perfect, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Italian Feast
Want to elevate your Olive Garden experience at home? Serve this Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno with a fresh Caesar salad and homemade garlic bread. A glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea will complete the meal, making it feel just like a night out at your favorite Italian restaurant.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep! Simply assemble the pasta and sauce, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you have leftovers, they’ll keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
Common Questions About This Copycat Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While ziti is traditional, penne or rigatoni also work well.
Is this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! This dish is completely meat-free, but you can add cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken if desired.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pasta for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno Copycat
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and mix well to coat.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Romano cheese.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
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